Health claims and RDIs/RDAs

In 2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that:

'…omega-3 fatty acids […] have important roles in the diet and are sometimes consumed at a lower level then recommended, and that, therefore, nutrition claims identifying foods being source of these nutrients, or being rich in these nutrients could help consumers to make healthier choices.'

Reviewing regulations in Europe and the US

The issue of health claims on food is now being addressed. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to review its food label regulations concerning such claims and issue new standards in early 2010.

A European legislative process began in 2006. It aims to create a framework for assessing both nutrition and health claims, which not all foods will be allowed to carry.

Various omega-3 health claims had been submitted to the EFSA. For eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) positive health claim opinions have been confirmed.

Find out more about:

• the difference between a 'health claim' and a 'nutrition claim'
  
• health claims that have already been submitted and approved
• the meaning of 'high in omega-3' and 'source of omega-3'
• recommended dietary intakes or allowances (RDIs/RDAs) across the world.